News 18:00

BULLETIN 16 January 6 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# SARA accuses the IEC of neglecting voter education
# Cricket: Moore replaces De Zorzi in Proteas’ Test squad in New Zealand
# And, the NSRI urges vigilance near coastlines and inland waterways

# The South African Rainbow Alliance has criticised the Independent Electoral Commission for excelling in registering over 400 parties but failing in voter education. Expressing concern over leaving education to politicians, they highlight a lack of awareness among tertiary students and neglect of the service industry. The alliance questions if such negligence aims to suppress new voters, and urges the IEC to extend working hours, and visit malls and tertiary institutions for comprehensive voter education. SARA calls for collective efforts to ensure all South Africans have the opportunity to register to vote.

# Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane has expressed optimism that the matric pass rate for 2023 will exceed 80-percent. Nearly 100-thousand learners participated in the National Senior Certificate exams in the province. Basic Education minister Angie Motshekga is scheduled to release the national results on Thursday. Mabuyane credits the collaborative efforts of learners, teachers, and management for the anticipated positive outcome. He highlighted to the SABC the collective commitment to achieving a commendable pass rate in the province:

Meanwhile, the DA has extended its best wishes to all learners and teachers, especially the grade one learners, as public schools prepare to reopen. However, concerns loom over delayed deliveries of learning materials, particularly affecting no-fee schools. The party calls on Basic Education minister Angie Motshekga to ensure the timely distribution of materials, as it may have a detrimental impact on education outcomes. The DA’s Baxolile Nodada anticipates challenges in matric results due to perceived government failures:

# Cricket: Western Province batter Edward Moore has replaced Tony de Zorzi in South Africa’s squad for the series of two Tests in New Zealand. De Zorzi withdrew after landing a contract with Durban’s Super Giants in the SA20. Moore becomes the eighth uncapped player in the Proteas’ squad. He played in 117 first-class matches, and is expected to open the batting with captain Neil Brand. The squad departs on Friday and the first of the Tests against the Black Caps starts on the fourth of next month.

# The financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-89-cents and the euro at 20-rand-55-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-90-cents and Bitcoin trades at 42-thousand-680-dollars-8-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-38-dollars-26-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 78-dollars-53-cents a barrel.

# And finally, the National Sea Rescue Institute urges bathers, boaters, paddlers, sailors, anglers, and coastal hikers to adopt a safety-conscious approach around the coastline, along inland waterways, and coastal hiking trails. Motorists and pedestrians are also warned against crossing storm-flooded rivers and low-lying bridges. According to the institute, many drownings during the festive season occurred in areas without lifeguards. NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon says it is important to avoid alcohol consumption before swimming:

Stay tuned for more news………….